Aquascaping with Geophagus

[Lilyann]

Hi! I was hoping to get some feedback on aquascaping a 180 gallon that would house approximately 7 larger geophagus sp.
I was planning on adding some tougher plants ( planting about 1/3 of tank) with Vallisneria, Amazon swords, Nympaea rubra, and possibly hairgrass.
It would be low-tech setup with two- 32 inch Finnex Ray-2 fixture lights. Would this be adequate?
Also, what do you think of my adding a substrate at the base with something like eco-complete, topping it with a gravel layer and then putting a deeper sand substrate like Caribsea Instant aquarium sand on top?
Would this not work,will the geo's eventually stir this all together and I would have dirt where sand should be and vice versa?

Can I see pictures of what you have done for aquascaping for your Geo's? Could you also describe what kind of substrate you use?
Thanks!!

 

[freak78]

This was my Geo Tank. Low tech with finnex planted plus leds. Substrate was Caribsea torpedo beach sand. They will definitely sift through the sand.

 

[Lilyann]

Thats a beautiful setup. It is exactly what I had in mind as far as planting placement, with the heaviest amount on sides and some in middle.
So, with this setup you just planted your stem plants in Torpedo sand from Caribsea and added root tabs? Any water column feeding, or not necessary?
Also, what type of stem plant is this pictured, I really like it!

 

[freak78]

All the plants that you see is Hygrophila corymbosa and I don't use root tabs. I just do water column fertilizer which is Seachem comprehensive and excel. Yes I just planted the stems right into the sand.

 

[Lilyann]

Thanks for sharing your set-up and info!

 

[freak78]

Your welcome.
Hygrophila corymbosa (giant hygro) is a very easy and low demanding plant. I started with one single stem and this is what it has become in a years time. I just keep replanting what I have.

 

[Lilyann]

Your welcome.
Hygrophila corymbosa (giant hygro) is a very easy and low demanding plant. I started with one single stem and this is what it has become in a years time. I just keep replanting what I have.

Wow! Now that is getting your money's worth! It looks like it is tough too, like Val, thick enough to take a beating from the geos.

 

[freak78]

The Geos didn't mess with the plants at all. When I had acara in with them they would nibble on them every now and again but nothing bad.

 

[Lilyann]

Anyone else have Geophagus and would like to share pictures of their set-up? I would love to see them!

 

[tiger15]

Geophagus don't eat plants, but they are sand sifter and digger.

This was my Geo Tank. Low tech with finnex planted plus leds. Substrate was Caribsea torpedo beach sand. They will definitely sift through the sand.
View attachment 1263348

It's a challenge to secure stem plants in a Geo tank as they are sand sifter and digger. Looks like you have to secure every plant behind rock and drift wood. The plants look lush. How much light do you have and do you use CO2 injection.